Alright folks, I recently started my own small business, so I wanted to share some research I’ve done on time management software. Even though I have a small team, it was evident to me early on that I was going to need some serious help to keep everything on track.
After sifting through options, comparing features, and reading user reviews, I've compiled a few notes below that you’ll hopefully find helpful, and might just save you time and effort in your search for the ideal time management solution.
Bonsai is more than just a time tracking software; it's a comprehensive solution for freelancers and small businesses. But time tracking is one of the things it does really well, of course. It’d be an excellent option for those looking for an employee hours tracker and other functions in a single spot. Features:
- Automatic time tracking with desktop and mobile apps
- Project management tools
- Invoicing and expense tracking
- Proposal and contract creation
- Task management and to-do lists
So Bonsai is an all-in-one platform that’s a standout choice for small business time tracking and project management.
Ideal For:
- Freelancers juggling multiple clients
- Small agencies looking for an integrated solution
- Solo entrepreneurs who need to manage various aspects of their business in one place
💰Pricing💰
Bonsai has 4 pricing tiers that, as I write this, begin at $9 per month per user, if paid yearly. The higher pricing tiers include better features and integrations.
Toggl Track is a popular time tracking software that seems well suited for small business owners looking for a powerful set of tools. Features:
- One-click time tracking
- Detailed reports and insights
- Project management tools
- Team collaboration features
- Integrations with popular productivity apps
- Mobile and desktop apps
I've found Toggl Track to be very user-friendly with its simple interface and quick start options. From what I can tell the reporting features are quite robust as well.
Ideal For:
- Freelancers and solopreneurs
- Small to medium-sized businesses
- Teams looking for a straightforward time tracking solution
- Project-based businesses
It's particularly great for those who need to track billable hours across multiple projects and clients.
💰Pricing💰
Toggl Track has a free plan for up to 5 users, as well as higher tier paid plans with more features, starting at $9 per month per user, if paid yearly.
Features
Timecamp offers a suite of time tracking tools that caught my eye, including automatic time tracking. It also provides:
- Detailed reports
- Project management features
- Integrations with popular productivity apps.
Ideal For:
- Freelancers
- Small agencies
- Project-based teams. It's especially useful for businesses that need to track employee hours across multiple projects and clients.
💰Pricing💰
Timecamp offers a free basic plan, as well as plans beginning at $2.99 per month per user, if paid yearly.
Harvest is another common option, and I've found it to be one of those products that goes beyond simple time tracking.
Features:
- Easy time entry via desktop, web, and mobile apps
- Automatic invoice creation based on tracked time
- Team management and capacity planning tools
- Integrations with popular project management tools, detailed reports
Ideal For:
- Small to medium-sized businesses
- Agencies and consultancies
- Freelancers managing multiple clients
- Teams needing detailed project insights
💰Pricing💰
Harvest has a free plan for 1 person. For larger teams, the Pro plan is $10.80 per user per month, if billed annually.
‼️Conclusion‼️
I've found that the best time tracking software for small businesses offers a balance of features functionality and affordability. Bonsai, Toggl Track, Timecamp, and Harvest all stand out with their own strengths.
For freelancers and small agencies seeking an all-in-one solution Bonsai's comprehensive feature set is hard to beat. Its project management tools invoicing capabilities and automatic time tracking make it ideal for those juggling multiple clients and projects. Toggl Track shines with its user-friendly interface and robust reporting making it perfect for small to medium-sized businesses needing detailed insights into their time usage. Timecamp offers a good mix of features. Its automatic time tracking and integrations with popular productivity apps make it a solid choice for project-based teams and small agencies.
Harvest stands out with its seamless invoice creation and expense tracking features. It's well-suited for businesses that prioritize detailed project insights and easy time entry across multiple platforms.
Ultimately the best employee time tracking software for your small business will depend on your specific needs and budget. Consider factors like team size, project complexity, and required features when making your decision.